Symbol of superstorm Sandy will not stay at sea

Nov. 27, 2012

Casino Pier in Seaside Heights is shown from one of the helicopters traveling with Vice President Joe Biden. ASBURY PARK PRESS PHOTO BY THOMAS P. COSTELLO

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SEASIDE HEIGHTS — The Jet Star Roller Coaster partially submerged in the Atlantic Ocean has become an iconic image of superstorm Sandy’s destruction, and it could soon be a thing of the past.

Mayor Bill Akers said Monday that borough officials and owners of the Casino Pier have been in talks to remove the coaster from ocean. Last week, Akers attracted national attention when he told WNBC-TV in New York that the coaster would make “a great tourist attraction.’’

“I told them (television), that I did not have an issue with it (staying), it’s not my decision since its private property,’’ Akers said. “That was the extent of my comment, and then all of this firestorm. It was not the brightest comment.’’

On Oct. 29, as the hurricane crashed into the shoreline, the Jet Star coaster was swept into the ocean after a section of Casino Pier collapse under the force of the storm.

“If it was going to stay, there are issues. Would the DEP (the state Department of Environmental Protection) allow it? Does it have to be anchored down properly? And the Coast Guard would need to approve it,’’ Akers said. “The whole situation is unfortunate.’’

The coaster has been one of the most photographed images of Sandy’s destruction. The idea of turning the coaster into a tourist attraction was met with harsh criticism on social network sites.

“Everyone all over on Facebook was commenting on it and took a shot at me,’’ Akers said.

Bob Considine, a DEP spokesman, said the removal of the coaster is an issue for the Coast Guard and the borough.

Casino Pier officials said they are still in the process of assessing damages.

Meanwhile, efforts to rebuild the storm-ravaged borough are continuing. Demolition crews have removed the resort’s damaged boardwalk. Akers said construction on a new boardwalk should begin in January and be ready by Memorial Day.

“Our biggest concern is returning the boardwalk to where it was before the storm,’’ the mayor said. “Tourism is the lifeblood of this town. Tourism makes up 75 percent of the budget, while the remaining 25 percent comes from property owners.’’